Paul Hollywood and Candice Brown have led the celebrity tributes to Dave Myers after his death aged 66.
Dave, who was best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers passed away on Wednesday night with his TV partner Si King and his family by his side after a battle with cancer.
After his death was announced, stars who knew Dave flooded social media to share their condolences, with Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood saying Dave’s death is a ‘terrible’ loss for all.
Paul Hollywood wrote: ‘Gutted Si, this is terrible news! Love to you all mate xx’ Bake Off winner Candice Brown wrote: ‘So sorry Si. Thinking of you all’.
Paul Hollywood and Candice Brown have led the celebrity tributes to Dave Myers (right) after his death aged 66 (pictured with Si King)
Paul Hollywood and Candice Brown have led the celebrity tributes to Dave Myers after his death aged 66
A statement released today on the Hairy Bikers’ social media from Dave Myers’ TV partner Si King said: ‘Hi everyone, I’m afraid I bear some sad news.
‘Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.
‘Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.
‘All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.
‘Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment.
‘My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime.
‘I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.’
On the latest episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West, Dave and his co-star Simon ‘Si’ King explored Lancashire
Dave with his wife, Liliana Orzac, who he met while filming the series in Romania. They married in 2011
Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers (right) previously announced he was being treated for cancer
Si announced the sad news in a statement released on social media, saying he would miss his friend ‘every day’
He also shared this black and white photo of him sitting with Dave on a bench
The statement continued: “I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times.
“It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team.
“I am sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them.
“May I ask you all for one further kindness and allow Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and I some time and some peace to process our huge loss.
“I am sure I will see you all soon.”
On the latest episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West, Dave and Si explored Lancashire.
During their trip, the pair became reflective with Simon expressing his joy that they were back in action again.
He said: ‘It’s great getting back here with my best mate. We didn’t think 18 months ago that we’d be on the bikes again wandering around Dave’s backyard and it’s wonderful that we are.’
Dave briefly took a break from work before filming the latest show, which sees them travel west across Britain from Scotland to Devon.
Earlier this month Si thanked ave for making their latest series special, after being able to return to filming.
Si said: ‘It’s a series that we will always remember, not that we won’t remember others.
‘We are very privileged to do what we do and I think this one was particularly special in general because of Dave’s health and his sheer and utter determination and love for what he does.
‘Especially to continue to do it while he was having treatment took remarkable courage and energy – and adds to why Dave and I will not forget it.’
County Durham-born Si also said there is a ‘lovely moment on the first day of filming where Dave overtook me on the road on the bikes’, showing that it was ‘just like old times’.
He added: ‘Over the comms he was going, ‘Kingy, are you sure we’re going left here?’. That sort of dialogue was great and it’s what we’ve done over the last 20 years. It was really quite emotional.’
